View full sizeAlabama Shakes were nominated for three 2013 Grammys, but came up empty handed at the awards ceremony. (Eric Schultz | eschultz@al.com)

The critically lauded Athens-based rock 'n' soul band Alabama
Shakes went oh for three at the 2013 Grammy Awards.

The group was nominated in three categories: Best New
Artist, Best Rock Performance and Best Recording Package.

Anthemic, New York pop-rock band Fun (who stylize their name
as "fun.") took home the Best New Artist nod, besting a strong field including
Alabama Shakes, Hunter Hayes, The Lumineers and Frank Ocean. Bluesy Nashville-via-Akron,
Ohio duo The Black Keys won Best Rock Performance for their song "Lonely Boy," which
they raucously performed with Dr. John and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band in
tow at the Grammy ceremonies, held Feb. 10 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. The other
Best Rock Performance noms included Alabama Shakes "Hold On," Coldplay "Charlie
Brown," Mumford & Sons "I Will Wait" and Bruce Springsteen "We Take Care Of
Our Own."

Howard stepped out on her own to perform with Elton John, Mumford & Sons, Mavis Staples and the Zac Brown Band as part of a tribute to Levon Helm, former drummer with roots-rock group The Band. The ensemble rendered a version of the 1968 cut "The Weight." Howard's soulful vocals were standout.

The Shakes may have struck-out win-wise on Grammy night, but it's still
been a monster year for the band. Their 2012 debut record "Boys & Girls" peaked
at number eight on the Billboard 200 and number three in the U.K., while the
disc's opening track, "Hold On," topped Rolling Stone magazine's 50 Best Songs
of 2012 list.

The Alabama Shakes' March 30 show at Crossroads Café sold
out in record time for the Huntsville venue.